Best Bobby Pins for Long Hair: From Updos to Half-Up Styles

Long hair opens up styling possibilities that shorter hair can't achieve. But it also demands more from your bobby pins. The weight of long hair, the volume you're managing, and the complexity of long-hair styles all require specific pin choices and techniques.

This guide covers what long hair needs from bobby pins, which pins perform best, and techniques that make long hair styling manageable.

For general bobby pin information, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. If pins keep falling out, check why do my bobby pins fall out.

Long Hair's Unique Demands

Understanding what makes long hair different helps you choose the right pins.

The Weight Factor

Hair weighs approximately 3.5 ounces per foot of length. While that sounds minimal, consider:

• Shoulder-length to mid-back adds 6-8 ounces
• Hair gathered in an updo concentrates weight in one area
• Gravity constantly pulls against your pins

Pins that work fine for medium hair may fail under the accumulated weight of long hair.

The Volume Challenge

Long hair means more volume to manage:

• More strands to gather per section
• Larger buns and twists
• More surface area to secure

Length-Specific Needs

Best Pin Characteristics for Long Hair

Size Mix

Long hair benefits from having multiple sizes available:

Jumbo pins (2.5-3.4"): For structural work. Securing the base of buns, anchoring heavy twists, supporting weight.

Standard pins (2"): For general securing. Mid-level work, connecting sections, average-weight sections.

Mini pins (1.5"): For finishing. Tucking loose ends, securing wispy pieces, detail work.

Strong Springs

Long hair's weight tests pin springs constantly. Look for:

• Reinforced bends
• Firm closure tension
• Springs that don't weaken quickly

Grip Enhancement

Long hair often needs extra grip:

• Matte coatings for friction
• Textured surfaces
• Grippy finishes

Best Bobby Pins for Long Hair

Best for Heavy Updos: Frenchies Flocked Bobby Pins

Why they work: The flocked coating provides exceptional grip. At 2.5", they're long enough for substantial sections. The texture holds against the weight and length of long hair.

Best for: Elaborate updos, wedding styles, all-day wear

Best Jumbo Option: Scunci No-Slip Grip Jumbo Pins

Why they work: At 2.75", these handle the volume of long hair well. The curved design follows the head shape, and the grip coating prevents slipping under load.

Best for: Heavy buns, French twists, structural work

Best Professional Grade: Fromm Style Artistry Pins (Multiple Sizes)

Why they work: Salon-quality construction holds up to heavy use. Available in multiple sizes so you can have a complete set for different tasks.

Best for: Professional styling, frequent updo wear, complete kit approach

Best for Everyday: Goody Ouchless Bobby Pins

Why they work: Ball tips for gentle use, decent grip, widely available. Good for daily styling when you don't need maximum hold.

Best for: Daily half-up styles, casual looks, gentle styling

Best Budget Set: Conair Multi-Pack Bobby Pins

Why they work: Affordable way to get multiple sizes. Lets you have jumbo, standard, and mini pins for different tasks.

Best for: Building a complete pin collection affordably

Pin Count by Style for Long Hair

Long hair needs more pins than shorter hair for the same styles.

These numbers increase further for very thick long hair.

Techniques for Long Hair

Layer Building

Don't try to pin all your hair at once:

1. Divide hair into manageable sections
2. Secure bottom/foundation layers first
3. Build up, pinning each layer before adding the next
4. Top layers hide pins from lower layers

The Anchor Foundation

For updos, create a stable base:

1. Create X-crossed anchor pins at the style's base
2. Build your style from this anchor point
3. Heavy sections connect back to the anchor
4. Weight distributes through the structure

Weight Distribution

Don't concentrate all pins in one area:

• Spread pins throughout the style
• Create multiple anchor points
• Let different sections support each other
• Think structurally, not just decoratively

The Twist-to-Pin Method

For securing long twisted sections:

1. Twist the section
2. Coil the twist where it will sit
3. Pin through multiple layers of the coil
4. Each pin catches several wraps of the twist

For more detailed techniques, see how to use bobby pins: 15 essential techniques.

Styles That Work for Long Hair

Half-Up Styles

Long hair half-ups show off length while controlling the face-framing sections. Pins secure the gathered section, letting length flow below.

Tips:

• Create volume at the crown before pinning
• Use X-cross at the gathering point
• Let length fall naturally

Low Buns

The classic long hair solution. All the length wraps into a sophisticated bun at the nape.

Tips:

• Twist before coiling for more texture
• Pin in a circle around the bun edge
• Use jumbo pins for the bulk, standard for edges

French Twists

A vertical twist that showcases long hair elegantly.

Tips:

• Work in sections, securing as you go
• Pin through the twist, not just at the edges
• Use more pins than you think necessary

See also: bobby pin hairstyles for work and bobby pin hairstyles for weddings.

Common Mistakes with Long Hair

Using Only One Pin Size

Different tasks need different tools. Jumbo for structure, standard for general work, mini for finishing.

Underestimating Pin Count

Long hair styles need more pins. Running out mid-style means starting over.

Skipping Foundation Work

Jumping straight to the final look without creating anchor points leads to collapse.

Fighting Gravity

Work with hair's natural fall. Pins that oppose gravity work harder and may fail.

FAQs

How many bobby pins do I need for long hair?

Plan for more than you think. A simple half-up might need 4-6, a bun needs 8-15, elaborate updos can need 25-40+. Have extras ready.

Should I use jumbo pins for all long hair styling?

No, use jumbo for structural/heavy work, standard for general securing, and mini for finishing. A mix of sizes works best.

Why do my long hair updos fall apart?

Usually: not enough pins, wrong technique (not building in layers), or pins not strong enough for the weight. Try more pins, better foundation work, and jumbo pins for structure.

What size bobby pins are best for long hair?

All sizes serve different purposes. You need jumbo (2.5"+) for structural work, standard (2") for general use, and mini (1.5") for finishing.

How do I keep long hair updos secure all day?

Build in layers, use foundation anchors, don't skimp on pin count, spray with hairspray before and after, and use grip-coated pins.

The Bottom Line

Long hair styling success comes from:

1. Multiple pin sizes: Jumbo, standard, and mini for different tasks
2. More pins overall: Long hair needs higher counts
3. Layer building: Foundation first, build up systematically
4. Strong springs: Weight tests pins constantly
5. Strategic placement: Distribute pins, create multiple anchors

The length you've grown opens styling possibilities. The right pins and techniques let you achieve them.

For complete bobby pin guidance, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. For elegant style options, explore bobby pin hairstyles for weddings. And for alternatives, compare claw clips for long hair.